New Volkswagen SUV spied on test

Sagar BhanushaliTuesday 16 August 2016, 11:23 AM

Volkswagen’s upcoming full-size SUV has been spotted undergoing hot weather testing. The car was seen under the sweltering heat of the Death Valley.

This still-unnamed model is seen wearing front and rear camouflage but it still shows off its production grille and headlights. The side profile, on the other hand, looks similar to the 2013 CrossBlue concept that previewed this vehicle. Lastly, the rear is reminiscent of the 2016 Passat sedan with its clean and crisp contours.

The vehicle will be built on the MQB platform introduced with the 2015 Golf range. VW will offer at least seven seats to rival the likes of the Honda Pilot in the US. Engine wise, the 3.6-litre V6 from the Passat is expected, and so is front-wheel drive or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive configuration. A smaller 2-litre turbocharged four cylinder model is also expected.

The SUV is expected to be shown in the US by April 2017. It will be built at the brand’s Chattanooga, Tennessee facility. So far, VW is only looking to sell it in the US and Canada although other markets are under consideration as well.